Mulch suppresses weed growth, which reduces competition for water and nutrients, and decreases the amount of ‘weeding time’ the gardener has to put into maintenance. It adds nutrients to the soil when broken down, and improves soil structure.
Mulch provides a thermal blanket for soil, helping it to remain at a fairly constant temperature and moisture level.
Mulch is usually made up of coarse particles of organic material like leaves, woodchips, hay and is added straight onto the soil surface in a layer about seven centimetres thick.
Mulch can also be inorganic matter like pebbles or gravel which form a textured natural surface in a variety of colours, styles and sizes.
Mulch saves water, money, time, and possibly plants.
